PCOM (Philadelphia) Discussion Thread 2009-2010

[reveille16]

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So this may seem like a stupid question, but I guess its better to ask for clarity than to look stupid on the PCOM secondary. First of all, the essay asks two questions, but both of these questions should be answered in ONE essay right? Also, are you guys attaching a separate sheet for your activities and EC's. I understand the quick format to use when doing these, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of room to write anything. Thanks for the input everyone! 🙂 👍

 

[not so calm now]

So this may seem like a stupid question, but I guess its better to ask for clarity than to look stupid on the PCOM secondary. First of all, the essay asks two questions, but both of these questions should be answered in ONE essay right? Also, are you guys attaching a separate sheet for your activities and EC's. I understand the quick format to use when doing these, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of room to write anything. Thanks for the input everyone! 🙂 👍

I answered the questions (essentially Why DO? then Why PCOM?) in separate paragraphs, but the same essay. There were some transitional words thrown in there to make it flow more smoothly. I then used a bullet format for my healthcare xp. 🙂

 

[droogdoc]

So this may seem like a stupid question, but I guess its better to ask for clarity than to look stupid on the PCOM secondary. First of all, the essay asks two questions, but both of these questions should be answered in ONE essay right? Also, are you guys attaching a separate sheet for your activities and EC's. I understand the quick format to use when doing these, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of room to write anything. Thanks for the input everyone! 🙂 👍

I just attached two separate pages. One page was my essay about why I am pursuing osteopathic medicine and then specified why I am interested in PCOM at the end of the essay.

The second page was bullet points of only my healthcare experiences, paid and volunteer. I did not include all EC's as it only asked for healthcare experiences. They have my primary AACOMAS for that.

 

[reveille16]

Thanks so much for the help 😀 👍

 

[EckXXX]

How is everyone doing with this secondary?

 

[droogdoc]

How is everyone doing with this secondary?

Sent it in the Monday after I got it by email. Haven't heard anything yet.

 

[slamindesi]

How is everyone doing with this secondary?

I sent mine in last week...I'm gonna call them tomorrow or day after to see if they received everything..good luck to all those applying here..def my top choice!

 

[EckXXX]

Sounds like we are all on the same page...

 

[meowmeowmeow]

OMG I am worried because I separated the essay into two different ones!!!! so now its a page and a half!!!
Why you wish to become an osteopathic physician?
Why PCOM Ga????
And I have already submitted it???
does any one else has done the same thing???
would they think that I didnt follow the directions or something???
The reason for it because it was not flowing w/ my stroy of why DO and why PCOM Ga......

Please any advice 🙁

 

[JonnyG]

So I had a quick question regarding PCOM and the how they look upon GPA vs. MCAT. I read in another thread that UMDNJ emphasizes GPA > MCAT, and was wondering if this is the mantra at PCOM too. I ask because I have a 3.21 overall (3.06 science) but a 32P (11PS, 11VR, 10BS) MCAT. Thanks.

Btw, I submitted the primary a month ago, and should be able to get the secondary out quickly once I am verified.

It is more of a you have to have one or the other. If you are subpar in both you will have trouble.

 

[wannabeaDO]

OMG I am worried because I separated the essay into two different ones!!!! so now its a page and a half!!!
Why you wish to become an osteopathic physician?
Why PCOM Ga????
And I have already submitted it???
does any one else has done the same thing???
would they think that I didnt follow the directions or something???
The reason for it because it was not flowing w/ my stroy of why DO and why PCOM Ga......

Please any advice 🙁

Meow, I wouldn't worry about that, but you can always call them and let them know your concern. I bet they will be really nice about it.

 

[Superman MD]

Does PCOM really enforce having a letter from the Dean?? I would love to apply here, but totally do not have a Dean's letter (nor a pre-med committee!)

 

[droogdoc]

Does PCOM really enforce having a letter from the Dean?? I would love to apply here, but totally do not have a Dean's letter (nor a pre-med committee!)

Best to just call PCOM. Dean's letter is pretty serious, can;t see why you can;t just substitute it with a couple LORs from professors.

Wow, I never even knew PCOM wanted a dean's letter if you didnt have a committee.

 

[wishintobedoc]

Best to just call PCOM. Dean's letter is pretty serious, can;t see why you can;t just substitute it with a couple LORs from professors.

Wow, I never even knew PCOM wanted a dean's letter if you didnt have a committee.

I believe it says a dean's letter or advisor's letter. I sent an advisor's letter.

 

[Bacchus]

The dean's letter says you're in good standing with your University. Its not a cushy/cozy/fuzzy letter.

 

[labgirl]

Does PCOM really enforce having a letter from the Dean?? I would love to apply here, but totally do not have a Dean's letter (nor a pre-med committee!)

PCOM absolutely stands behind their LOR requirements. My pre-med advisor even called them to see if I could sub faculty letters because they don't write advisor or committee letters and they said they do not make any exceptions. I ended up having to contact the dean from years ago who I never met to get a letter. Luckily he agreed to do it!

 

[droogdoc]

PCOM absolutely stands behind their LOR requirements. My pre-med advisor even called them to see if I could sub faculty letters because they don't write advisor or committee letters and they said they do not make any exceptions. I ended up having to contact the dean from years ago who I never met to get a letter. Luckily he agreed to do it!

Why wouldn't your own advisor write you a letter? That's a new one on me. Sorry to hear about all that!!

 

[SMC123]

I just called PCOM today and they said they haven't recieved my LORs. I sent them about 1.5 weeks ago on Interfolio. They said they have a new database and probably won't be checking them for a few weeks.

Has anybody been complete at PCOM yet?

 

[EckXXX]

I just called PCOM today and they said they haven't recieved my LORs. I sent them about 1.5 weeks ago on Interfolio. They said they have a new database and probably won't be checking them for a few weeks.

Has anybody been complete at PCOM yet?

I have yet to hear anything from PCOM since sending out my application on 7/19. My letters were uploaded to VirtualEvals on 7/7.

 

[thethethe]

I have yet to hear anything from PCOM since sending out my application on 7/19. My letters were uploaded to VirtualEvals on 7/7.

ditto, i know they received my secondary, i did delivery confirmation, and they cashed my check.
do you guys know when they start interviews?

 

[Mtnbiker]

When I read that a Dean's letter was required (absent a committee letter), I went to the PCOM website and looked at their FAQ's. I was unable to find any reference to this requirement, only the following:

Q: Who does the letter of recommendation have to come from?
A: Preferably, we require a letter from your pre-medical advisor or committee letter. However, if that is not possible, a letter from a science faculty member may substitute.

Can someone direct me to where it states that a Dean's letter is necessary?

Thanks!

 

[dr am]

Hello all,

I'm just wondering how long it takes PCOM to get the secondary application once you are verified with AACOMAS ... I just got verified on 7/23/09. Does PCOM email you the secondary or send it via snail mail... I'm just a little worried because I am moving shortly. I updated my regular mailing address on the AACOMAS application, and I also should be having my mail forwarded to me through the post office, but any insight into this would help a lot!!

Also, if you could check out my MDApplicant profile, that would be great to get feedback there too -- I would love to come back to Philadelphia very soon 🙂

 

[droogdoc]

Hello all,

I'm just wondering how long it takes PCOM to get the secondary application once you are verified with AACOMAS ... I just got verified on 7/23/09. Does PCOM email you the secondary or send it via snail mail... I'm just a little worried because I am moving shortly. I updated my regular mailing address on the AACOMAS application, and I also should be having my mail forwarded to me through the post office, but any insight into this would help a lot!!

Also, if you could check out my MDApplicant profile, that would be great to get feedback there too -- I would love to come back to Philadelphia very soon 🙂

PCOM will email the secondary to you as a PDF file.

 

[premedmind]

What are my chances at PCOM with a 24Q? 5VR, 9PS, 10BS? Do I have to retake?

GPA is 3.74

 

[doggydog1]

I just called PCOM today and they said they haven't recieved my LORs. I sent them about 1.5 weeks ago on Interfolio. They said they have a new database and probably won't be checking them for a few weeks.

Has anybody been complete at PCOM yet?

I dont understand how schools have time to cash our checks almost instantaneously yet they do not have time to start reviewing our applications or even tell us or status!!

 

[wishintobedoc]

I dont understand how schools have time to cash our checks almost instantaneously yet they do not have time to start reviewing our applications or even tell us or status!!

Will they e-mail us when we are complete or do we have to call??

 

[droogdoc]

I dont understand how schools have time to cash our checks almost instantaneously yet they do not have time to start reviewing our applications or even tell us or status!!

For the same reason some of them send secondaries to ALL applicants without screening anyone....$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

 

[kbrinsky1]

PCOM absolutely stands behind their LOR requirements. My pre-med advisor even called them to see if I could sub faculty letters because they don't write advisor or committee letters and they said they do not make any exceptions. I ended up having to contact the dean from years ago who I never met to get a letter. Luckily he agreed to do it!

That's funny they said that because when I talked to my advisor she said she just got off the phone with them and since the advisors through the school are staff, not faculty(therefore hold no weight), they accept professor letters. So I called and sure enough, my advisor wasn't full of it. Maybe it is just for the UC system though, so I would call to be sure.

 

[DO2Be2013]

I dont understand how schools have time to cash our checks almost instantaneously yet they do not have time to start reviewing our applications or even tell us or status!!

They might still be focused on finalizing the incoming class. Classes don't start for another two weeks and there's waitlist movement right down to the wire, even into the first week of classes. I'm sure reviewing their waitlisted candidates is of higher priority for them now. I'm sure in another two or three weeks things will really pick up for the new cycle.

 

[bowlin123]

I am really interested in PCOM and have received the secondary; however, I have not shadowed any DO yet, because I could not find anyone to let me shadow. So would anyone please clarify the following statement from the secondary for me? "Another letter of recommendation, preferably from an osteopathic physician is suggested, but not required."
Does this mean that LOR from a DO is only suggested but not required? and I only need to submit my pre-health committee LOR? Or does it mean that I am required to have a physician LOR, preferably a DO LOR?

 

[doggydog1]

They might still be focused on finalizing the incoming class. Classes don't start for another two weeks and there's waitlist movement right down to the wire, even into the first week of classes. I'm sure reviewing their waitlisted candidates is of higher priority for them now. I'm sure in another two or three weeks things will really pick up for the new cycle.

Understandable. The wait just gets frustrating sometimes. Thanks for your help 🙂

 

[raebear]

Does PCOM really enforce having a letter from the Dean?? I would love to apply here, but totally do not have a Dean's letter (nor a pre-med committee!)

I just sent them an email asking if I can substitute letters from science professors for the dean's letter so I'll update when they respond. I'm nervous now with people saying they absolutely will not! It seems weird for them to have such different LOR requirements than all the other DO schools...

 

[not so calm now]

So when does PCOM start interviewing?

 

[NilamPatel]

does any other DO school require a deans letter?

 

[bowlin123]

I am really interested in PCOM and have received the secondary; however, I have not shadowed any DO yet, because I could not find anyone to let me shadow. So would anyone please clarify the following statement from the secondary for me? "Another letter of recommendation, preferably from an osteopathic physician is suggested, but not required."
Does this mean that LOR from a DO is only suggested but not required? and I only need to submit my pre-health committee LOR? Or does it mean that I am required to have a physician LOR, preferably a DO LOR?

I guess no one would like to answer my question....🙁

 

[thethethe]

I guess no one would like to answer my question....🙁

bowlin123 where do you live? if you are from nyc area, i can help u find a DO

 

[Bacchus]

So when does PCOM start interviewing?

I interviewed their first day last year, 9/24. I knew 2 weeks ahead of time.

 

[bowlin123]

bowlin123 where do you live? if you are from nyc area, i can help u find a DO

I live in Philadelphia. Does that mean PCOM require a DO letter?

 

[swamprat]

I live in Philadelphia. Does that mean PCOM require a DO letter?

lol the area you live in does not matter i think the poster was stating that if you live in that particular region he can hook you up with a DO to shadow

 

[bowlin123]

lol the area you live in does not matter i think the poster was stating that if you live in that particular region he can hook you up with a DO to shadow

I know what he meant, but the second part of the statement was directed at everyone, not only him. I have been asking this yesterday, because I wasn't sure what the secondary was saying.

 

[swamprat]

I know what he meant, but the second part of the statement was directed at everyone, not only him. I have been asking this yesterday, because I wasn't sure what the secondary was saying.

oh sry my bad, misread. anyway idk rly the requirements. i have a d.o. letter myself so i never had to worry about it for any of the schools i applied to.

 

[Eilat87]

has anyone called for a status check? i sent in my stuff about a week ago and i havent gotten an email confirmation of any sorts

 

[SFs Own Tone]

I am really interested in PCOM and have received the secondary; however, I have not shadowed any DO yet, because I could not find anyone to let me shadow. So would anyone please clarify the following statement from the secondary for me? "Another letter of recommendation, preferably from an osteopathic physician is suggested, but not required."
Does this mean that LOR from a DO is only suggested but not required? and I only need to submit my pre-health committee LOR? Or does it mean that I am required to have a physician LOR, preferably a DO LOR?

My understanding is that a Physician LOR is required but whether its DO or MD is that DO is only preferred not required. In other words, you can submit an MD LOR but a DO LOR is preferred, a physician LOR of some sort is required.

 

[fattymangox03]

I just sent them an email asking if I can substitute letters from science professors for the dean's letter so I'll update when they respond. I'm nervous now with people saying they absolutely will not! It seems weird for them to have such different LOR requirements than all the other DO schools...

any word back from them??

 

[fattymangox03]

Do they take fee waivers for the secondary?

yes. i called them to ask. just send a copy of your AACOMAS fee waiver letter along with your secondary app 🙂

 

[Kayla]

.

 

[LAS10886]

Do we have to write two separate essays for PCOM and PCOM georgia? Or can we state basically the same reasons why we want to go there?

 

[teacherman84]

Do we have to write two separate essays for PCOM and PCOM georgia? Or can we state basically the same reasons why we want to go there?

I wondered the same thing...and since they are going to the same place, are they being read by the same people? Anyway...I wrote essentially the same essay but added a bit about family ties to georgia in one. Its essentially the same questions so I dont see any reason why we couldnt write the same thing.

 

[123165]

any word back from them??

They notoriously do not substitute this letter. That is why I did not apply here.

 

[wishintobedoc]

This is probably more for PCOM-Georgia campus, but I got an e-mail saying they received my secondary application. It said that they did not have a letter from my college or D.O. Both of them sent out two copies on the same day I sent my secondary (confirmed with all evaluators). It said to send all materials to main campus. Did I need to have the recommendations say they were for the Georgia campus specifically? I thought they would realize that with two copies one would be for each campus.